Networking with the Lower Thames Crossing - 4 June

Our LSIP Director, Andy Sparks, recently attended an impactful networking event with the team from the Lower Thames Crossing at the Park Inn by Radisson Palace in Southend. 

Attendees heard updates from Natalie Bonnick, Head of Supply Chain Development, on the progress of the vital infrastructure
project that’s set to transform logistics and connectivity across our region. The room was buzzing with questions, connections, and opportunities, showing just how much this project means to our business community!

Essex Police Special Constabulary Annual Awards 2025 - 5 June 

Andy was proud to present Stockvale Group with the Employer Supported Policing Award at Essex Police HQ during Volunteers Week. The evening honoured the incredible dedication of volunteers supporting policing across the region.

Our members, Stockvale Group, were recognised for their amazing support of staff through flexible working and paid time off to serve with Essex Police. Congratulations to Stockvale Group and all the nominees and winners for their outstanding commitment to keeping our communities safe!

Our LSIP Executive Director, Joanne Giles attends Writtle College Awards Ceremony - 13 June

BCS Apprenticeship Training Provider Forum - 17 June

Jo was invited back by the BCS The Chartered Institute for IT, to join their Apprenticeship Training Provider Forum

She joined a panel of industry experts to share insights on the implications of the latest apprenticeship policy updates, new Skills England funding and the impact they will have on the skills landscape. A big thank you to BCS for the opportunity to be part of such a valuable discussion! 

Jo joined Leah Holdeman at First Intuition to host the latest Professional Service Roundtable event. As always this was a wide ranging and informative discussion centered around employability, skills and funding available to employers in Essex. 

We were delighted to sponsor the Team Student of the Year Award for ESOL and Performing Arts at Harlow College’s annual Student Celebration Awards. 

Jo attended the celebrations to present the Performing Arts award to the deserving recipient, Florentina Mihalache. 

Building a Lasting Legacy Event - 19 June

Morgan Sindall Construction, Essex County Council, The Greater Essex Careers Hub and Chelmsford College hosted a recent event, giving students the chance to explore a variety of practical trades—including bricklaying, carpentry, plumbing, painting and decorating, and digital design—gaining valuable insight into the sector and developing real-world skills.

Parents and carers were also invited to attend, where they heard directly from industry professionals about the diverse career pathways available and the key skills currently in demand. 

FE Commissioners “Just One Thing” Summer Conference - 20 June 

Andy attended the annual event held at City Lit College. The event was hosted by Shelagh Legrave CBE, Further Education Commissioner, and had input from the Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Malvern, Minister for Skills at the Department for Education. 

Essex Schools Food and Farming Day - 24 June

Andy attended the Essex Schools Food and Farming Day, a yearly event organised by the Essex Agricultural Society giving 3,500 Essex school children aged 8 to 11 the opportunity to visit ARU Writtle and find out how their food is produced, the role played by farmers in Essex and the many related jobs within the industry.

Chelmsford Skills Festival and University of Essex Annual Meeting - 26 June

Andy had a busy day attending the Skills Festival in Chelmsford. This was a unique event with over 1,750 year 8 students immersed in a festival style atmosphere learning about the different careers available, and the skills used within these careers. The event comprised of over 70 local businesses, showcasing the careers on offer through a range of engaging and hands on activities.

There was no rest for Andy as he then attended the University of Essex Annual Meeting where Chancellor Dr Sarah Perry gave an overview of recent achievements, developments at the University, and a look ahead at our future plans. Followed by an opportunity to network with senior staff and fellow supporters of the University.

Networking with Fenwick Colchester - 2 July

Jo and Andy had a fantastic evening at Fenwick Colchester at our recent networking event. Guests enjoyed the luxury of the iconic store as well as delicious food and welcome drinks in the sophisticated surroundings of Carluccio’s.

A highlight of the event was an insightful address by the company’s Retail Managing Director Hugo Fenwick, who shared the rich history of his family’s renowned department store.

This wasn’t just networking, the evening was a tribute to business heritage, local community, and shared success.

Greater Essex Careers Hub Conference - 4 July

On 4th July, the Greater Essex Careers Hub hosted their Summer Conference, “Opportunities for All: Transforming Futures Together”.

It was a resounding success, and was a powerful day of inspiration, collaboration and forward-thinking. 

New Members Event at the Launchpad Southend - 15 July

Jo had an opportunity to meet with and introduce herself to our recent new members from the south of the county at our offices in the Launchpad Southend. 

Companies met Chamber staff and partners and enjoyed new connections, collaborations and some delicious canapes. Thank you to everyone who attended.

Essex Chambers Annual General Meeting - 17 July

Jo and Andy both attended our recent Annual General Meeting in the Holiday Inn at Southend Airport. 

The success and the impact the LSIP is having in the region was specifically mentioned in the Chair’s Report from the Chair of the Essex Chambers Board, Joe Denham. 

The evening was a fantastic opportunity to hear about the work of the Essex Chambers and to network with businesses from our member community.